First Lady Michelle Obama at the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign, which collects toys for needy children, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, December 11

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Greg Sargent: Until today, it was not certain whether Republicans would stage another showdown over the debt ceiling. They were said to be thinking about it, but reports carefully noted no decision had been made. However, Mitch McConnell today publicly confirmed that it’s on.

….. this is not an explicit declaration that Republicans will refuse to raise the debt ceiling unless they get the spending cuts they want. But it is certainly a threat to do this.

Pay close attention to how this is covered …. raising the debt ceiling is not merely giving Democrats something they want. It is averting a threat to the economy and to the whole country. Top Republicans have admitted this….

Quote of the day – Stephen Colbert: “My network contract prohibits me from taking on another full-time job. So the Senate would be perfect.”

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Steve Benen: When it comes to voter-suppression techniques, Republicans generally maintain a certain pretense, at least in public. They argue that measures such as voter-ID laws aren’t about blocking Americans’ access to their own elections, but rather, about preventing imaginary fraud. The defense isn’t compelling, but GOP officials generally repeat it with a straight face.

Once in a great while, however, a Republican will slip and tell the truth…..

1. He loves lists, thinks in lists, breaks down plans of action into lists.

2. He prizes discretion and despises leaks, which is why Republicans say they can trust this Democrat. (And probably explains why he declined to comment for this piece.)

3. He may be the most important player you’ve never heard of in the ongoing “fiscal cliff” drama.

…. “He’s our Congress whisperer,” says David Plouffe, a senior Obama adviser, of the famously soft-spoken Nabors. “Rob’s got a great instinct for where the deal lies, what Democrats are willing to do, what Republicans are willing to do. He’ll say, ‘Here’s what’s going on, here are what the odds are of success.’ He doesn’t ever paint a rosier picture than exists.”

Politico editors Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen today have published what may be the most revealing piece I have ever read about the Washington power elite….

…. The subject of the piece is Allen and VandeHei’s report that broad agreement exists on the correct policy agenda, as revealed to them through “conversations we have had over the past three months with top lawmakers, officials, their senior aides and the CEOs who advise and lobby all of them.” The story proceeds to describe the obviously sensible agenda agreed upon by these sources: It is vital to reduce the deficit through tax reform and stingier entitlements, along with more free trade, resource extraction, and liberalized immigration.

…. Even more remarkable is the approach Politico’s editors take toward the consensus. They have on their hands the most ripe material for a scathing exposé of a chummy, self-interested business-political elite. VandeHei and Allen, by contrast, understand their role here not as exposing the insider nexus but as uncritically transmitting its point of view….

I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaaack. And in case any of you were worried, I very, very almost met my work deadline today. Almost. Feeling very proud of myself. Just have to meet the bit I didn’t meet today tomorrow. 😕

MSNBC is covering it, and probably others. Still in the early stages regarding getting details out. Happened at a town center. Early report is three dead, including the gunman (but that could change, of course).

We’re a manufacturing company, so we have a week off in the summer and during the holidays for a formal shutdown when they clean all the equipment, etc. It’s a nice perk. No email pile when you get back, because everyone’s off at the same time!

I live in Nevada and I’m so excited about this. We are 133% below the poverty level so it means we will get Medicaid. I’m so grateful. With that said, I want to turn every federal and state elected office in NV a very deep BLUE.

Congrats to Mary for first place, and congrats to Chips for the near-miss with her deadline today! Good news all around.

I wonder what the GOP and their media cohorts would say if the President just refused to talk to them about the debt ceiling? it just amazes me that the people of this country allow the GOP to play with the world economy, after they destroyed the world economy and most of the country is still reeling from the effects.

Good evening Chipsticks, just wanted to thank you again for this wonderfull site you have here and allowing me to be a part of it, this community is so diverse and stimulating really cant express my gratitude enough!

rocket has apparently traveled at least 300km, NHK: DPRK stage dropped into eastern Philippine Sea at 10:05 JST (01:05 UTC). This has caught everyone by surprise as the 3rd stage was believed to have been off the launch pad for repair via @W7VOA

I told you all that the whole game or ball if wax is the Debt Ceiling being raised and the Government running out of money.
The constant wishing that the President has all the leverage is just that wishful thinking.
All the Republicans will do is wait until march, a shut down the government and nit raise debt ceiling. Or maybe they will raise debt veiling and not find government?
So, we are going to have to give a little despite what liberals tell you.
Unless, you would prefer august 2011 all over again?
That’s how they roll, and it’s very ruthless.
I actually hope the president calls their bluff and tells the World we had to close our Government because of the Republicans.
Anyways…

I’ve gotten the impression that the president will refuse to negotiate when it comes to the debt ceiling. The Republicans are the ones that ran up the bills/debt so they need to make sure they pay the bills. This should be pointed out as often as possible. If the ceiling is not raised it will be on their heads and proof positive that their mission is the destroy the country.

The focus needs to remain on the Republicans, and what they’re willing to do to this country and the world economy. There shouldn’t be a single word spoken against any Democrat with regards to this debt ceiling debacle. The only shame and blame around this topic sits squarely with the Republicans, who have decided that the US full faith and credit is now open for their game-playing. And I don’t know why anyone is surprised. They voted against health care for first responders. They voted against giving the middle class health care and a fair wage. They’ve voted against protecting women against domestic violence. The fact that they can play games with the full faith and credit of the Untied States, in the middle of the recovery from a global economic collapse which THEY caused is shameful. If anyone wants to talk about this topic, they should only be talking about what the GOP is doing. I’m pretty tired of people focusing on Democrats on this topic, as though the Democrats are the ones who have introduced the debt ceiling as a pawn in their evil game.

The same old PL undermining game of focusing blame on POTUS is beyond the pale. He takes the flak for EVERYTHING that happens in every single freakin’ negotiation when the fact is the GOP is decimating our country, piece by piece. ENOUGH.

According to adherents of the Chuck Todd School of Journalism, even though the GOP won the House, they are not to be held responsible for the debt ceiling mess they created as the party in power. Somehow the Democrats and the Republicans are equally to blame.

Even though everyone knows that there has never been a debt ceiling crisis in the history of the United States until the teahadists came to power in the House, the media and some foolish voters keeping pushing the idea that both parties and the culture in Washington are to blame.

This is pure guano and it needs to stop.

One party is responsible for this protracted drama and for hurting economic growth during that crisis. The Republicans.

Meanwhile, the President won with a mandate and is asserting that mandate but the media says he should capitulate to the party that didn’t win the White House.

You listen to the media long enough and you could end up thinking the GOP won a mandate and they want to solve the debt ceiling “crisis.”

Which is why for the foreseeable future, it remains a good policy not to listen to the mainstream media.

Ms Chips! WTG for gettng caught up with your work, it’s a good feeling, right? And thanks for the great posts, wonderful articles, videos and pictures, in spite of being busy with your day job! I am in and out, but try to keep up with all of you here. Hope everyone is having a good week!

Ms Chica Girl, I totally love the fact that you ‘very, very almost met. Almost’ your work deadline! Good stuff! 😆 😆 {{CC}} It means you will sleep a little easier tonight and that you are a bit more relaxed even now as you mentally run the last part through your brain while bantering with whomever takes you on. Relief! Relief! Until the next time. 😉 😉

Here is an awesome comment I found on that Sargent article about the Debt Ceiling insanity:

___________________________________________________________________

ceflynline
2:54 PM PST
Just think. While the Republicans are demanding concessions in order to get a debt ceiling raise, the President can make some demands of his own.

Make incomes from all sources taxable at the same rate, and as we are in an emergency, demand an emergency levy on all incomes over $250,000 of 50% tax rate.

Demand an immediate institution of a securities transaction tax on all transactions of over $10,000. 2%.

Lift the cap on SS and Medicare and Unemployment taxes. Make all Corporate compensation policies subject to those taxes at full market value, nonmonetary compensation included.

While Mitch is standing there stunned when Obama makes those proposals, tell Mitch that his alternative is to give the President control over the debt ceiling, subject to negative control, requiring 60% no votes in both Houses to over ride.

Then while Mitch is but-but-buting along, decide to demand an excess income tax ladder right up to 95% of gross incomes over 100 times the minimum wage.
__________________________________________________________________

I’ve read that the transaction tax is a boondoggle. Haven’t researched it, but the way it was explained to me is that the UK instituted this and the traders just moved their transactions off-shore…that only the little guy ends up paying the tax. Those super-computer trades escape unscathed.

They can’t headquarter every company outside the US. That’s also where the offshoring penalty taxes must happen.

I think it’s pretty easy to rectify:
– If the stocks being traded are from a company based here, they pay a tax.
– If the company isn’t based in the US, but does ANY BUSINESS in the US, they pay a tax.

Even now, if you upgrade your cell phone, you have to pay the tax on the full value of that phone, even if the carrier give it to you for free.

The answer to that question is yes. It’s past time. It’s a crime that this is not being addressed. All we’re getting is more lax gun laws. Too many crazies in this country—–you can’t go to a movie theatre or go xmas shopping at a mall or to a place of worship—–etc. etc. etc.—-without worrying if some nut has a gun and feels like shooting that day. It’s insane. And I notice everywhere this is being reported the NRA freaks have flocked to defend their precious shooting machines. How the NRA amassed all this power—-rendering our entire Congress paralyzed in fear of them—–is a real mind-boggler—–and a horrible shame. The NRA owns this country. A remedy is desperately needed.

So glad to see Michelle supporting the Toys For Tots program. I ran a toy store for many years and the TFT program was always the highlight of our year. WE all looked forward to it because we were often able to see directly how it helped so many families right in our own community. Thanks again, Michelle for leading by example.

Just saw last year’s finalist on The Voice, Chris Mann, sing a beautiful song on tonight’s program. He was overjoyed saying what an honor it was to sing for the President and Michelle Obama and the Bidens at the xmas in Washington concert. And more here:

Anniebella, I do know how you feel, but we will all have our favorite holiday toddies and have Ms. Walters to: “Proceed Barbara.” Just saying. I even plan to dress up for my POTUS and FLOTUS. I have a lovely red festive dress to wear just for this.

I have decided as along as the Creator gives me breath and a state of joyfulness each day that I awake, I am going to enjoy our POTUS and FLOTUS. We have 4 more years to make this a great presidency. We will take the ups and the downs, but we will not yield to staying down. That is my promise to myself.

Oh, Anniebella, I think the interview is on Friday night. Help me on that date, someone. HZ

Ok. I don’t know if I can handle 4 more years of Michelle and her awesomeness. It’s just too much. Look at her in this pic. Stunning! Oh and then look above. MORE Stunning pics. I mean seriously, can a brother get breathing room?

Cman, Men want a woman like her, and sistas (of all cultures) want to be like her!! Isn’t she just the BEST!!!???!!!!!

(I started to say brothers want her, but I sense that Pres. Obama might have just a lil somethin’ to say about that… 😎 😎
And seriously, when they are in the room and looking at each other, nobody else exists to them anyway, so what would be the point? )

Meta, we have to be from the same family tree. I was thinking the same thing about our beautiful FLOTUS. I thought, great, FLOTUS’s brilliant mind and surely the dress will take the eye from Ms. Walters. And surely the arsey(a word), oh who cares, it is Ms. Walters) questions that Ms. W., will be asking are petty. What a waste of our time. I can think of so many others who could really do so much justice to this interview. Our POTUS and FLOTUS are truly more patient than HZ.

But meta, that dress caught my eye first and how it is spread all over the couch. I love it!!! HZ

Hi Everybody! Can’t stay tonight. Tons of work (grateful for it though).

Anyway, I thought I’d pop in and share a couple of inspirational tunes for you this evening. In an earlier post, from yesterday I think (everything’s gonna a blur til I get through this weekend), Nath asked for something from Donny Hathaway or Curtis Mayfield. Two musical giants, IMHO.

So here’s the first one. It’s in honor of the workers in Michigan, who just had their rights stolen from them.

Thank you, Dudette for this selection. So appropriate and moving. I love Donny Hathway as well. Great songs still so fitting for so many things going on still in our society. Music is a great messenager as well as a great healer. Let us hope that our nation will begin to be both for so many to follower us from generation to generations to come.

(((((((((((((((((((( Thank you Dudette for our “Great Musician In Chief” of TOD.)))))))))))))))))))))))HZ

You’re too kind HZ! I’m not much of a musician, but definitely a music lover! 🙂

Donny Hathaway is one of my absolute faves. His daughter Lalah is an incredible singer in her own right. Her voice is from the heavens. Phrasing is so much like her Dad’s it’s spooky. This apple didn’t fall far from the tree AT ALL.

Here’s one of her live performances that I play over and over and over and… (you get the picture). I think that’s jazz great Marcus Miller on bass. [I’m so wishing I could say who the sax player was — much love to him whoever he is.]

Nath, thanks for asking for these two great giants indeed. I had a male friend who knew Donny while he was at Howard, in fact just before DH left. Great musician. His daughter has the great genes all throughout her bones as well as her sister. Both mother and father, great musicians. Small world.

I have enjoyed going back and listening to both, Donny and Lalah. So much tone quality and phrasing just like her father. Love it.HZ

Something about Ezra Klein’s hosting Rachel’s show, talking about the civil rights era and the union activism 50 years ago that doesn’t fit. Ezra has no gravitas, as far as I’m concerned, and it’s becoming harder and harder to take him seriously … other than as a newsreader, I guess he fits that part, but are there no impressive journalists or pundits or news reporters to host these cable news shows?

I know, thanks, and I understand he’s reading her copy. But sometimes she gets to be too much, also, too. She often lectures on topics, as though she’s a tenured professor. Trouble with that is she seems to think that nobody watchin’ ever heard of what she’s saying, before, so it’s akin to her sometimes using little words for the slow learners. Maybe I’m the only one who feels that way.

Reminds me of some people I’ve met in this city I’m living in, currently, in the Midwest. While I have a lot to learn about a lot of things, they’ll talk to you about common things like you’ve never heard of ’em until you arrived here, or unless they saw you learn ’em.

One in particular cracked me up … one woman was telling me about getting something at “Toys ‘R’ Us,” and told me, “It’s a big store that sells toys.” (Do I look that dumb?) I wanted to answer, “Yes, but what do they mean by the ‘Us’ part?”

Jacquelineoboomer, I hear you. I had to get up last night and go decorate the remaining part of my music room. The lady got on my last nerve about a topic last night. I just get pissed when everyone is all of a sudden awake and so informed to feel like they have the “right” to tell this president, President Barack H. Obama what he should do or being doing. That crap sends me to my praying chambers. Really. I am so tired of it, like he is their “little boy” who needs to listen to them. Now, I am going to listen to some more of Mr. Hathaway that Dundette so graciously place here for us and have another glass of wine for my nerves and gut. Doctor gave ok for both.HZ

Jacquelineoboomer, it is good and smooth. Then I mix it with a few of POB’s speeches, and I am fine for 4 more years with my POTUS. Remember, we are Not going to allow Anyone to steal our joy, not this time. Ok.HZ

HZ, as always, a wonderful comment. Listening to DH or LH, with a glass of wine, is an excellent combination to calm your nerves. These self-important idiots, who think they know better than President Obama, can drive an otherwise good person insane with rage. Better to completely tune them out if you want to keep your sanity.

Nath, you are so on point as always. During my visit with my brother and other house guests, we all were having a conversation about POB’s temperament of logic and calmness in dealing with decisions in his life, and we all came away with great assurance that we are in good hands. Shortly(days afterwards) they too were on their way out of the country in the same direction. So the trip was very productive for all because of the same conclusions that we all were discussing just before they left with their visit with me.

We all just need to trust our president, listen carefully to him, and stand with him behind him and walk this journey with him through thick and thin. Grace and Mercy will carry us through this.HZ

Absolutely, HZ! We must never allow all these pretenders and haters to undermine this good man or to deter us from supporting him. He and the First Lady have already demonstrated courage and grace under fire. I predict that all their detractors will fail in the end because, as my grandmother used to say, “God don’t like Ugly!”

For our younger viewers, like Ezra (no offense to ANY age group, but I do mean to offend Ezra), it reminds me of The Peter Principle, where management keeps promoting a person until he’s beyond his level of ability.

You’re right. When he was talking to the Senator Harkin, you could hear papers rustling and it was clear he wasn’t even paying attention. I was so embarrassed that this young lad can disrespect an elder like that. He has no respect for the actual struggles that make up the history about which he theorizes.

Yes, I caught that, and methinks Sen. Harkin did, as well. Ezra had no comeback to him, no thoughtful response, because it wasn’t part of his “nerdland” experience. That’s fine if he remains at his desk in the research section (no offense to any other researchers), but please keep him off cable news, people!

Even as I make it, I know this is a general comment, but I often find that (many) gifted young people have been pumped so full of their own wisdom that they never learnt how to show respect for their ‘elders’, even for the elders that deserve it. Somewhat like the tale of teenagers thinking their parents are dumb until they mature, at which point they are awed that their parents’ knowledge improved so drastically in a short period of time.

This is what I think of the young’uns like Ezra Klein. Until you’ve had to fight for something, or work for something – and you realize how hard it is to achieve something – you’re just a theorist. And theory is kind of easy. You just have to read a book, compile a theory, and then be able to talk about it.

The President, when he talked to his staff the day after the election, spoke of how clueless he was when he first started out in the community organizing business. And that cluelessness is what made him actually realize eventually that he needed drive AND power, in order to effect change.

That’s not to say that those kids aren’t able to benefit from his experience and then extend that benefit to produce a better product. That’s absolutely true – they can. But, they worked hard. They saw how difficult it was to win, to get a message across, to pour your heart and soul into a project that was not guaranteed to succeed. The likes of Ezra and the rest of these talkers on MSNBC don’t have that element – that bruises that come with fighting for something; working for something; achieving something. So, they remain as theorists, and cant understand why change just doesn’t happen from the snap of a finger or sheer force of will. And they delude a lot of people, as a result.

And, to add to your argument, IMO a part of the reason Ezra and his kind delude many is because they speak with such certainty and confidence and with a lack of any deference when expounding their theory.

Amen, theo, and Vc. When you only see and know that there is a ‘Well there with Water,’ do not try to tell me all about it all the time from your theorist point, but tell me how it taste because you have chosen to take a dipper and drink a little of that ‘Well of Bitter Water.’

Many of us at age 28 had seen the ‘Well’ built, and watched as the Water Came Up from that ‘Well’ and even had the guts to taste it and allow it to move throughout our bodies as we carried it around daily in our lives. I will hope that R. and E., will be able to taste some of that ‘Well Water’ someday. The book knowledge is there, but the soulishness has to be tested. Then speak to me with full throttle RM and EK. HZ

So I saw this amazing video by the Finacial Times that was all the way back in April touring OFA HQ if you watch closely you can see the minions in the early stages of designing “still a BFD” t-shirts and some i-phone apps its mindblowing how outgunned Romney was!

That is what I am talking about!!!! Bless all of their hard work and their precious lives along with all of our TOD family and our Wonderful, caring, and brilliant Chips for this place as well. We Are A Team!!!!HZ

Ezra Klein subbing for RM…just saw the tail end of an interview with the Head of the Seiu re: the vote in Michigan….she said yes they plan to appeal this law but they also plan to join forces with the community and organize….they also plan to join the WalMart workers in their struggle for a decent wage and benefits….

Thisssssssssss is what i have been waiting to hear…

a good fallout from PBOs re-election run…. both community and labor who forged strong coalitions are now seeing the benefit of maintaining those coalitions to further the agenda of the working class…..

Hey speaking of Toys for Tots what ever happened to Michelle going to the Marine Ball with that handsome young lad who asked her last year?? I know he was scheduled to deploy but he should be back by now. I hope no one forgot.

POTUS might told her that they should discuss that first. Of course I don’t think she was going anyway, she is the wife of the Commander-in-chief, You know FLOTUS she was trying to be polite and nice. But we never know, we do have four more years.

First let me say this, I recall POTUS saying that he wasn’t going to play that debt ceiling game, not this time and I believe him. Second, I can not stand that Corker fool, I even hate the way he talk.

Every day that passes, starting on 1 Jan 2013, the revenues pouring into the Treasury, while the MIC dudes scream, because of the fact that sequester is the law of the land, is another day that PBO and the Dems gain strength. The GOP should have taken PBO’s deal in August 2011. They will be decimated because they didn’t.

I agree with your perspective entirely, Bobfr. PBO is not playing and I trust him.

What is difficult is going through all the posturing and threats from the GOP and MSM. It seems we have fewer and fewer allies. Pipsqueaks like Ezra spouting the Corporate line.
We expect it from Politico but when it happens on TRMS it feels like betrayal

Still feeling pumped from that glorious night on Nov 6th? Me too! Let’s celebrate and keep moving on up!

Here’s Curtis Mayfield with The Impressions ~ We’re A Winner

We’re a winner
And never let anybody say
Boy, you can’t make it
‘Cause a feeble mind is in your way
No more tears do we cry
And we have finally dried our eyes
And we’re movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)
Lawd have mercy
We’re movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)

We’re living proof and always alert
That we’re two from the good black earth
And we’re a winner
And everybody knows it too
We’ll just keep on pushin’
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don’t care where you come from
We’re all movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)
Lawd have mercy
We’re movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)

Hey, hey
We’re movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)
Lawd have mercy
We’re movin’ on up (Movin’ on up)…

Yardarm, you definitely wen’t to the basement. I hope all the young people here (and the old ones too) are appreciating these incredible musicians, like Oscar Brown Jr, whose music meant so much to the struggle for freedom and human dignity. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, love and deep appreciation of the classics..

Yardarm, I want to also thank you. As I recall when we had our “House Party” when Chips was away, I remember you brought some great jazz and a few bottles. Right? Oh, yes you did. At least I remember the jazz. Love you for your beautiful spirit in this family. Thanks so much Yardarm.HZ

Dudette, I truly love you! You and Yardarm are very precious. Thank you so much for rekindling some of the best memories of my youth. I remember dancing all night on this song when, in Nov. 1967, Carl Stokes became the first Black elected Mayor of a big city, Cleveland Ohio. We also played this song, at a friend’s house, on Nov. 4, 2008 after President Obama was declared the winner. Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions were truly what’s happening.

I was listening to Thom Hartmann tonight and he said that the Koch’s and crew may think they’ve won this battle now, but this may be the spark that lights the fire and engages people, not just in MI, but the country, like never before. It may end up backfiring on them and having people come out en masse against those that would do this to workers around the country. He mentioned those that are too young to have seen the struggles that the unions went through, fought for us, and in some cases, DIED for us, to all have the rights that we have now as workers. Those that weren’t around back in the day, just take good living wages, days off, leave time, etc for granted….they will soon find out that many had to fight for what we all have. Union and non union workers alike…..MI is mad and raging now…but that anger needs to never be forgotten come 2014 and beyond.

Well df they should have stopped with voter suppression because the message was very clear that all they did was motivate folk to stand in line for hours to vote. The actions today in MI will be catalytic for sure.

The GOP continues to marginalize itself as the insatiable greed of the Kochs, Adelsons, Waltons, et al., drive them ever further toward extinction. It’s happened to greedy folk, many times before, and 6 Nov 2012 was just the warm up for it happening again.

We’ve got the tools, we’ve got exceptional organizational alignment (from OFA to UAW to SEIU to …) and now we are more motivated than ever before.

This time, it would be wise, to embed deeply in our societal DNA the reality that democracy is an every-day activity, to whatever extent possible, for Every citizen.

Bob, those are truly words of wisdom, democracy IS an every day activity that requires every one of us to stay alert and actively engaged. Complacency is the biggest enemy of a working democracy. The Corporatists are overplaying their hand. Their arrogance will be their downfall. But that will only happen if we keep organizing and informing. We are the media. And we are the change.

In this case, Thom Hartmann may be right. There’s only so much that people will take. These people have to feed their families, send their kids to college, and try to scrape out a living. The GOP are currently fighting for the top 2% to get more tax cuts, and are planning to steal the pensions and social security of the working masses. The GOP don’t realize that the Arab Spring wasn’t a cultural thing – it was a human thing. People got tired of being treated like garbage by those that have so much, and they realized that they were given life to live and deserve to live that life freely, just as much as the “ruling classes”. There’s a reason why President Obama’s message resonated with so many people – because he talked about their right to an existence, and pledged to fight along side them. The GOP have ignited a flame that they will not be able to douse – because they just can’t relate. I am furious about what I’ve seen happen today – from the shooting, to the “right to work” nonsense, to Boehner and his cabal claiming they’re going to use the full faith and credit of the United States to bargain on behalf of the rich – even if it plunges the world into chaos. I’m furious – I can only imagine how those who actually are at the losing end of these battles feel right now.

A computer programmer happens across a frog in the road. The frog pipes up, “I’m really a beautiful princess and if you kiss me, I’ll stay with you for a week”. The programmer shrugs his shoulders and puts the frog in his pocket.

A few minutes later, the frog says “OK, OK, if you kiss me, I’ll give you great sex for a week”. The programmer nods and puts the frog back in his pocket.

A few minutes later, “Turn me back into a princess and I’ll give you great sex for a whole year!”. The programmer smiles and walks on.

Finally, the frog says, “What’s wrong with you? I’ve promised you great sex for a year from a beautiful princess and you won’t even kiss a frog?”

“I’m a programmer,” he replies. “I don’t have time for sex … But a talking frog is pretty neat.”

What PBO did to them in August 2011 is a thing of radiant beauty, Chips, as you know. And, most folk aren’t yet even discussing the enormous implications for the GOP of the fact that starting at 0001 EST 1 Jan 2013, the combination of expiration of ALL of the ‘Bush tax cuts’ coupled with sequester will be an avalanche of revenue to the US Treasury and an avalanche of vehement anger at the GOP.

PBO will be in an extraordinarily strong position and he knows it. The real conversation hasn’t even begun 🙂

You’re right, Bob. If the GOP think they can sit around and do nothing in order to get leverage in the debt ceiling debate – or just raise taxes and still fall off the cliff in other respects so they can have leverage in the debt ceiling debate – then they weren’t listening to the President when he said he’s not going to play that game. When payroll taxes go up, and the trillion in cuts takes place from the sequester agreement, and the economy becomes even more fragile – then the GOP will have ZERO leverage to destroy the world economy. And when the world reviews the damage that the GOP have done over these four years, and realizes that they mean to continue – it will be a disaster of epic proportions for the GOP. The Bush tax cuts have done nothing for this country, except to bloat the bank accounts of the extremely wealthy. The GOP are eroding the middle class through their war on workers. And if they play games with the debt ceiling – then they will face a wrath from the public that they were definitely not anticipating – and that’s the global public. People are tired of being put in harm’s way by these Republicans that somehow have managed to become part of the US government.

The title is unnecessarily hyperbolic but the reasoning is sound, though, once again, he does not bring to the forefront the implications of the sequester will have. The GOP long for trillions of increased MIC (DoD) spending and the sequester will be the single largest decrease in our defense budget, ever.

The GOP will have to negotiate a restoration of some portion of it, and every time they whine, the President can add major legislative items (ranging from immigration, to infrastructure projects, to expansion of renewable energy manufacturing, to ending oil subsidies, to …..) as well as immediate restoration of any social programs that would be harmed.

The GOP will be caught in the quicksand of their stupidity only compounded by the fact that their constituents will be in full scale freak out over income tax increases.

Bob, doesn’t sequester come with big cuts with social programs also ? IIRR, any budget cuts to mic & other rethug pet issues also means equal cuts to social programs like ss, medicare etc. Or am I remembering it wrong?

“Most mandatory spending is exempt from the sequester. Social Security, retirement programs, veteran’s benefits, refundable tax credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), unemployment insurance, food stamps (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and a host of other programs (mostly those benefitting individuals with low incomes) are all exempt from the sequester – see the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, starting on p. 22, for a list of all exempt programs. A cleaner list is also available here. Additionally, while most Medicare spending is subject to the sequester, the cut to Medicare cannot exceed 2 percent.”

Yes, FiredUp and df, the exceptional brilliance of PBO is how he cornered the MIC/GOP. Every $ the GOP would want to restore for DoD spending will require them to commit multiple $ in infrastructure, renewable energy, education, etc., programs all the while having protected the mandatory spending on programs that are vital to the 98%.

Brilliant, Bob. And it’s absolutely astonishing that no main stream media even understands this, let alone discusses it. It’s as if they miss the entire point of what happened in 2011 and the whole sequestration thing just passed them by. They don’t even begin to understand what cards the president is holding.

(Reuters) – Attorney General Eric Holder said on Tuesday that U.S. election officials should register eligible voters automatically and take steps to reduce the long lines Americans encountered in national elections on November 6.

PLEASE!! Because otherwise, what we ALL know to be true, really happens!

I know that the two states have legendary football rivarly. However, I believe that in the fight for Unions and the rights of ALL of us workers, The Great State of Michigan should work hand in hand with The Great State of Ohio to send a loud message for these rightwingers to back off and stop undermining basic labor rights.

Ohio’s Kasich came into office as an arrogant rightwing gov who tried to attack Unions. Voters pushed right back with a resounding NO vote. Since then he seems to have learned his lesson and proceeds with caution

The Republican-backed right-to-work bill given final approval Tuesday in Michigan contains language cribbed verbatim from a model anti-union bill created by ALEC, according to a watchdog group.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, of course, is the corporate-backed, conservative-leaning organization that has become a bugaboo for liberals by pushing legislation to do everything from roll back environmental regulation to weaken gun control laws, as brought to the fore this year by the murder of Trayvon Martin. ALEC, like lots of groups that work in state capitols, creates “model legislation” that friendly lawmakers can introduce in whole or as a basis for their own bills.

Both Michigan’s HB 4003, which affects public sector unions, and HB 4054, which affects private sector unions, appears to pull language directly from ALEC’s model right-to-work bill. The Center for Media and Democracy, a liberal watchdog group which has been working for years to expose ALEC’s activities, created these chart comparing the language:

Verbatim is an understatement. We need to exert gigantic pressure on those states that have legislatures that are bought and paid for by ALEC…and continue our fight to get companies OUT of that RWNJ /democracy stripping organization!

What’s even more infuriating, Bill R, is the fact that our so called mainstream media are MIA! What’s the use of having a media that does not accurately inform the people about fundamental issues. How, for example, can the media let Paul Ryan off the hook now? On the campaign trail he repeated the mantra that It was the President who was cutting Medicare while he and Romney wanted to restore the “so called Obama cuts” and save Medicare. Now Ryan and the GOP are demanding deep cuts in Medicare.

By the way, what’s wrong with most people in my age group? How can we continue to claim that we are wiser than young people when many of us easily buy into Republican BS?

On the senate record… finally! Thanks for this. All these hand picked links really help me because I’ve sworn off MSM and all its fringes, and come here to get informed and motivated (not to mention enchanted).

Hi susanne and desertflower. Df, thanks for all of the great information. You are a treasure.

Susanne, how is the weather for our POTUS and FLOTUS vacation holiday trip.?

Well, I will say goodnight to our loving Chips and all of my TOD family. I feel very mellow and joyful after listening to much music shared by Dudette and yardarm. Thanks to both of you for such a treat. Nite, nite.

Candles still lit for our Fred and Jackie’s sister. I have a nice vanilla one, and it is carrying healing thoughts and prayers all over the house for both of them. (((((((((( Healing Hugs to Fred and Jackie.)))))))HZ

Aw, shucks:) YOU’RE the treasure, my good woman:) Can’t sleep now…so much on my mind. What I thought was finally behind me, is still trying to drag me down.Tried to sleep, but found myself hyperventilating….had to get out of bed. I will pay for this later today.

dear df– so sorry you’re having a rough night. i know how the mind can get in the way of itself sometimes. this prayer of protection helps me if i repeat it like a mantra–it drives out the intrusive thoughts and gives me peace and strength:

the light of god surrounds me
the love of god enfolds me
the power of god protects me
the presence of god watches over me
wherever i am, god is
and all is well

aloha hz! the weather is just fine for the president and the first family to have a wonderful vacation! day temps in the low 80s, nights in the low 70s. some puffy clouds and a passing shower most mornings, to freshen the air and make rainbows! i’m just tickled they’ll be here soon! hugs to you, dear sister.

Love you, HZ. Sister is doing well. She’s now in a nursing facility where she’s recovering her strength and will be there until Christmas. I know your prayers made a difference and I thank you with all my heart. You’re the best!

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Lots of loving healing hugs to her, Jackie.)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Prayers will continue to go forth for her. You get some rest as well. Lots of love coming into your space.HZ

i thank you so much for joining. It appears that I have to make you my friends before you can really post there. In addition BuddyPress is being difficult and then some. I’m at work a lot, so please wait until Saturday when I have more time to fix some unexpected technical issues. (Things are harder than they appear). You can still sign on, but probably not post.

For those who wonder about this, I took one of my old blogs and changed things around so that I could host an Inauguration 2013 Forum. But it won’t let anyone but me post yet, and I’m trying to fix things. But wait until Saturday…

I am also going to change the email as well for signups this evening as well… Thanks for your patience and support.

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll finds President Obama holds a substantial advantage over House Speaker John Boehner in handling budget negotiations to avoid the fiscal cliff: Nearly twice as many Americans approve of the president’s work on the issue so far as favor the speaker’s approach.

Meanwhile, a new Bloomberg poll finds Obama has won the public argument over taxes so decisively that almost half of Republicans now say he has an election mandate to raise rates on the rich.